Preview — Merry Mary
by Ashley Farley

Investigative journalist Scottie Darden is photographing the homeless for her Lost Souls series when she makes a discovery that could change her life forever. Under a makeshift tent in subzero temperatures in a downtown city park, she finds a woman's dead body with her infant child. Without her cell phoneA young woman longing for a child stumbles upon a Christmas miracle.

Investigative journalist Scottie Darden is photographing the homeless for her Lost Souls series when she makes a discovery that could change her life forever. Under a makeshift tent in subzero temperatures in a downtown city park, she finds a woman's dead body with her infant child. Without her cell phone to call for help, Scottie makes the split-second decision to take the baby home. Her initial instinct is to provide the baby with food and shelter until her family can be located. But as her fondness for the baby grows, she finds herself facing a life on the run or worse—prison time for abduction.

Curl up with Merry Mary this holiday season. A heartwarming story of the powerful connection between a caring soul and an innocent child in need....more

Once aagain that Special time of Season is rapidly coming upon us.Ooh my !how time flys. Yeppp..Christmas! For my reading pleasure I've purchased my own Pre-Christmas gift..((giggle))! Hey by all means a gal can Never over treat herself.((yayy me:)!! I've grasped ,held closely 2my heart this Dear loveable but most Exqusite reading Gem . A gem that's Excellently Crafted with some rather amazing jar dropping usual twists &turns A series of some unfortunate events n the given name: Merry Mary.AOnce aagain that Special time of Season is rapidly coming upon us.Ooh my !how time flys. Yeppp..Christmas! For my reading pleasure I've purchased my own Pre-Christmas gift..((giggle))! Hey by all means a gal can Never over treat herself.((yayy me:)!! I've grasped ,held closely 2my heart this Dear loveable but most Exqusite reading Gem . A gem that's Excellently Crafted with some rather amazing jar dropping usual twists &turns A series of some unfortunate events n the given name: Merry Mary.Absolutely by all means it's a MUst read4 any true Reader or Lover of bks.begin the season right off with Merry MaryFor this reader Merry Mary is my seasonal keeper Read go 2bk. now &4ever more!Oooh Its a wonderful life with this sweet gem of a Read. That's chock-filled with life,passion also unconditional Love.While stting as I read I felt soo relaxed author Ashley Farley magically single handedly painted lividy brush strokes of life the surrounding vividly within her picture story bk.an enticing pull u n kinda wow what's gonna happen next eyeballs clued 2 the read..Ms. Farley became Picasso indeed!! I saw with clarity the snow falling like a love song ud b compel 2 listen2 all nite long. the deco of the times of a Merry little cozy New England christmas. Then sounds sights of the time that every state face,the haves the sad reality of the sufferings of the have nots..personally thoughts of the meaning of life,death desires wants.Then a related quote comes 2mind from Piccaso reminding us that ,'The World doesn't make sense so why should I paint pictures that do?!!' Ms. Farley reminds us of the old blue eyes sung,'I did it my way!"Ms.Farley definitely weaved &spin a Wonderful breath taking beautiful tale of life happening unscripted HER WAY.I totally adored the heroine.I n joyed the journey,the travel Scottie also pericous little heart stealing Merry Mary took. I recommend U Read this marvelous heartwarming tear jerker. R U curious at Why the bk. is called Merry Mary?! Read the bk 2find out why!Thanks Ashley Farley bravooo U R awwwesome!...more

In Merry Mary, Scottie is a photo journalist facing some tough decisions. I enjoyed reading this snapshot in time of her life, and I was thrilled to read at the end of the book that Ashley Farley is working on a full length novel featuring Scottie that is due out in 2016. This was a quick read and well-written. I also enjoyed the Richmond, VA location for the setting. I look forward to reading what Farley does next with Scottie.

Merry Mary delivered a believable story allowing us to connect with Scottie. While we might condone her actions, as the story unfolds we certainly understand her motives and feel her internal struggle. It highlights human connections and the power of love between a child and a mother, a brother and a sister. It portrays the way family willing protects those they love. Farley does a great job of sharing Scottie's mindset, her volatile marriage and the hardships she has endured. As events unfoldedMerry Mary delivered a believable story allowing us to connect with Scottie. While we might condone her actions, as the story unfolds we certainly understand her motives and feel her internal struggle. It highlights human connections and the power of love between a child and a mother, a brother and a sister. It portrays the way family willing protects those they love. Farley does a great job of sharing Scottie's mindset, her volatile marriage and the hardships she has endured. As events unfolded, I understood her actions, and the way she reasoned things in her mind. I appreciated how realistic the story was particularly the ending. The story could have been heartbreaking but Farley focuses on the powers of faith, family and love delivering the perfect holiday read.

Scottie Darden has struggled with her lack of ability to have children, with far too much loss under her belt, finding the infant in the arms of a dead mother, she acts before she can think. Her own Christmas miracle.

As Scottie battles with the right and wrong of her actions, she learns some hard truths and even if Mary isn’t hers to keep – she’s not leaving empty or alone.

This novella is not something I’d typically read, but felt like I needed a different story to break up some of the emotionalScottie Darden has struggled with her lack of ability to have children, with far too much loss under her belt, finding the infant in the arms of a dead mother, she acts before she can think. Her own Christmas miracle.

As Scottie battles with the right and wrong of her actions, she learns some hard truths and even if Mary isn’t hers to keep – she’s not leaving empty or alone.

This novella is not something I’d typically read, but felt like I needed a different story to break up some of the emotional, dark and angsty romances. Ms. Farley’s writing was good, the story didn’t feel rushed to too short – it is difficult to fit all the details into a novella, but she did that perfectly. I have to say that I loathed Brad from the get go. What a waste of a husband, of a man.

If you need a quick little pick-me-up holiday read that is all about feeling good, give this one a try!...more

After having one miscarriage and one stillbirth Scottie Darden is throwing herself into her work to stave off the emptiness she feels from the empty nursery at home. Working on “Lost Souls”, a photo project featuring homeless people – she hopes it will help establish her career as a photojournalist – she is offering some hot food and coffee to her homeless photo subjects when she discovers a young girl dead in her tent. In her arms lies a crying baby girl. As soon as Scottie announces the death,After having one miscarriage and one stillbirth Scottie Darden is throwing herself into her work to stave off the emptiness she feels from the empty nursery at home. Working on “Lost Souls”, a photo project featuring homeless people – she hopes it will help establish her career as a photojournalist – she is offering some hot food and coffee to her homeless photo subjects when she discovers a young girl dead in her tent. In her arms lies a crying baby girl. As soon as Scottie announces the death, screaming for help, the small group of vagrants quickly disperses. With no one around and her cell phone charging at home Scottie has a decision to make … wait until someone shows up or take the little girl home with her to a warm home, a bath, a clean diaper and some formula. She decides her home is the best place. A decision that will be hard to undo as it doesn’t take her long to fall in love with the baby.

What will happen when an autopsy shows the young woman had recently given birth and was breastfeeding yet there is no baby to be found?

I was hoping for a heartwarming Christmas story as I started reading this book. There were moments that did tug at the heartstrings but in my opinion this novella could have been so much more. Despite her heart of gold when it came to Mary (the baby) I really did not like Scottie. She seemed very spoiled and self-centered. Her mooch of a husband does a disappearing act halfway through the story, her parents are supportive yet seem slightly aloof and her brother is a hard drinking womanizer who, admittedly, does step up when he’s needed but only as last resort.

The story itself seemed a little far-fetched. As the characters were having one stressful moment after the next trying to figure out what to do with the baby I was thinking of any number of reasonable solutions. Of course, that would have made it a 5-page short story.

There was also a little bit of confusion for me as the reader. At several points near the beginning of the story it looked as if it were going to take a slightly religious path (okay, since it is a Christmas story) then for the second half of the book the whole theme was totally forgotten and never mentioned again.

It was well written and it had a good premise. I guess it was not quite what I was expecting (my fault for having pre-conceived expectations). Still, it is a sweet holiday idea.

* I received this book at no charge from the publisher, CrushStar MuliMedia LLC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review *...more

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.First off, I want to say how amazing this book cover is and that it makes me smile as I think of what Christmas Miracle could lie within the pages. Merry Mary tells the readers about a women who gave to the homeless and they blessed her with a baby which ultimately would lead to a series of life decisions. Scottie has always wanted to be a mother, but then life played her a cruel card as she had a miscarriage. One day before Christmas break, Scottie is visiting her homeless shelter friends whenFirst off, I want to say how amazing this book cover is and that it makes me smile as I think of what Christmas Miracle could lie within the pages. Merry Mary tells the readers about a women who gave to the homeless and they blessed her with a baby which ultimately would lead to a series of life decisions. Scottie has always wanted to be a mother, but then life played her a cruel card as she had a miscarriage. One day before Christmas break, Scottie is visiting her homeless shelter friends when she hears a baby crying . Scottie finds the baby wrapped up in a sack and the mother dead. Her first instinct is to take the baby home and look after it until she finds out more about the homeless woman and whether the baby has any other family. As Scottie's husband Brad is away on business , she brings the baby into her house and cares for it and names it Merry Mary. During this time , Scottie gets a visit from Mabel - one of the main "five" homeless elders and Mabel tells Scottie all about Trish and her story and how there isn't anyone else to raise the baby and that since it was delievered in the park, there is no record. This gets Scottie's hopes up as she believes this is her Christmas Miracle. What will happen though when the body is identified and Trish's family comes forward and they are nothing like what Mabel suggested ? Scottie does what is right and hands the baby over, but will she be done for kidnapping ? What I loved about the ending of this book was despite having to handover Merry Mary back to her "real family" , Scottie still got her Christmas Miracle - it just will arrive nine months later. If you love a quick read , inspirational and one that will warm your heart this Christmas Season then check out Merry Mary by Ashely Farley....more

This has been described as a "heartwarming story of the powerful connection between a caring soul and an innocent child in need". Ok, it's that, kind of. But what struck me was a look at the difference between best intentions and the "right" thing to do - sometimes, they are one and the same.

And sometimes, with the best intentions, things can go to hell in a hand basket in short order.

I hate summarizing in a review, because y'all know what the book is about based on the summary. I'm not going toThis has been described as a "heartwarming story of the powerful connection between a caring soul and an innocent child in need". Ok, it's that, kind of. But what struck me was a look at the difference between best intentions and the "right" thing to do - sometimes, they are one and the same.

And sometimes, with the best intentions, things can go to hell in a hand basket in short order.

I hate summarizing in a review, because y'all know what the book is about based on the summary. I'm not going to summarize because, heck, this is a novella as it is.

This book grabbed me by the heartstrings even while Scottie's actions made my common sense meter go binging in the red zone. With the love of her parents and her brother she makes some big decisions and I won't tell you any more because *spoiler*.

I enjoyed this novella and would love to see author Farley give Scottie her own full length novel! I would love to see the next step in Scottie's life and I think she was a fascinating character (even when I was yelling at the book because I didn't agree with what she did, I get why she did it...)

An ARC was provided to me by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions (and typos) are mine alone!...more

I love the title and the cover of this holiday novella. The story consists of a biological clock and a catch-22 situation.

After rescuing a baby from the cold, Scottie Darden considers what would happen to Merry Mary if left in foster care or worse; with her supposedly alcoholic grandparents? On the other hand could she be arrested for kidnapping?

Under the assumption she was doing the right thing Scottie Darden takes the baby home with her. She always wanted a child of her own but to hear thingsI love the title and the cover of this holiday novella. The story consists of a biological clock and a catch-22 situation.

After rescuing a baby from the cold, Scottie Darden considers what would happen to Merry Mary if left in foster care or worse; with her supposedly alcoholic grandparents? On the other hand could she be arrested for kidnapping?

Under the assumption she was doing the right thing Scottie Darden takes the baby home with her. She always wanted a child of her own but to hear things like "the mother would've wanted it that way" are only words to convince her to keep the child but Scottie's husband wanted nothing to do with it. I mean what she did wasn't terrible although lying to her family and friends was. She needed to come clean for her sake and the baby's and the cops didn't need to know.

In over her head now, all she could think of is to take the baby and run. With the help of her supportive family and brother Will, she allows herself to return Merry Mary to where she belongs.

Merry Mary is the sort of child anyone could ever want and Scottie Darden was an angel. ...more

Received this book from NetGalley. I liked this story. The woman in conflict and the events it takes for her to see things in a new light after a devastating loss was written well. The message at Christmas was very good. Sometimes things or people that we get aren't for us but we are for them to find a meaning at Christmas. Most life decisions are difficult but once they are made and we can relax when we know it was right. Tough decisions cause conflict and in this story it was interesting to seReceived this book from NetGalley. I liked this story. The woman in conflict and the events it takes for her to see things in a new light after a devastating loss was written well. The message at Christmas was very good. Sometimes things or people that we get aren't for us but we are for them to find a meaning at Christmas. Most life decisions are difficult but once they are made and we can relax when we know it was right. Tough decisions cause conflict and in this story it was interesting to see the different dynamics between friends, family, and spouse. Good book and would be great for a book club to discuss....more

Merry Mary is another heartfelt story by newcomer Ashley Farley, this one a novella. When a photojournalist comes across a baby quite by accident while being a good Samaritin, it opens up a host of questions about life choices she didn't know she was ready to make. Ashley has such an ability to quickly develop her characters in a way that you know them immediately and fell empathy for their situations. I hope she will continue this novella into a deeper story so we'll know more about what happenMerry Mary is another heartfelt story by newcomer Ashley Farley, this one a novella. When a photojournalist comes across a baby quite by accident while being a good Samaritin, it opens up a host of questions about life choices she didn't know she was ready to make. Ashley has such an ability to quickly develop her characters in a way that you know them immediately and fell empathy for their situations. I hope she will continue this novella into a deeper story so we'll know more about what happens to this young woman....more

Originally posted on my blog: The Writer's InkwellI am notorious for not reading book description when I pick up a new read and sometimes, like this book, it's a great thing. I feel the description would have given away too much of the premise of the book and by going in with no knowledge of what to expect, I was able to appreciate Scottie's situation better.

Though she never truly admits it, Scottie's life is fairly miserable at the beginning of this book. She's suffered a miscarriage and then aOriginally posted on my blog: The Writer's InkwellI am notorious for not reading book description when I pick up a new read and sometimes, like this book, it's a great thing. I feel the description would have given away too much of the premise of the book and by going in with no knowledge of what to expect, I was able to appreciate Scottie's situation better.

Though she never truly admits it, Scottie's life is fairly miserable at the beginning of this book. She's suffered a miscarriage and then a stillborn, her husband is unmotivated to better himself and barely contributes to the household and all in all, she's feeling quite of distance between herself and others. But don't be misled, this isn't a woman who is willfully ignorant. She's more than aware of the problems in her life, she just tends to color them with a different brush than I would, were I in her situation.

Instead of acceptance, Scottie is too busy trying to focus her time and efforts in helping others. She volunteers at the church and even spends time bringing warm food and hot coffee to the homeless. It is because of this that she happens upon the baby and its dead mother. At this point I thought the story would go in a much different direction that it did, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. I understood Scottie taking the baby back to her house initially and cleaning her up. But when she never calls the police or even tries to seek medical attention to a child that was living in the freezing cold, I started to feel a bit confused.

This book is about how Scottie saves the child, who she calls Merry Mary and yet, the child winds up saving her right back. As she begins to fall in love with the baby, she finds herself having to accept the truth about her marriage and just how much her family and friends care for her. It helps to motivate her in a new direction with her life and when she realizes she's pregnant and the baby's grandparents are looking for her, things get even more complicated.

I was amazed by how much I enjoyed the book and what a fast read it was. At one point, I sat down to read 15% more of the book and the next thing I knew I was finished with it. The truth is, I could relate to Scottie. Many of the things she experienced with the pregnancies and her marriage, I experienced in my early twenties. So even though I was confused by her actions initially, I could understand that broken place she was in and how easily she could allow herself to believe in this fantasy that she could just buy a fake birth certificate and adopt Mary as her own. It's a touching story and I think the author did a fantastic job addressing the issues at hand. And in the end, it's a love story, just not a traditional one. It's about a woman loving an orphaned child unconditionally and in the end, coming to a place where she can love herself enough to leave the bad situation she has with her marriage. I can also see how easily this book could be turned into one of those Hallmark or Lifetime Christmas movies and I admit, I would watch it.

So if you are looking for a little love this Christmas, I suggest you check out this novella. It's a compelling story of how one twist of fate can change so many lives and really open your eyes to what's truly important in life: family, love and happiness.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review...more

You know how you pick up a book and you immediately have ideas of what the book is going to be about and how things are going to play out? I had thoughts of what I would get picking up Merry Mary. Turns out, Merry Mary wasn’t exactly the Christmas story I expected it to be. I expected a feel good story with references to God and miracles. I expected to be wrapped in the spirit of Christmas and feel God’s grace. Perhaps it’s a little unfair of me to expect that, but that’s what I’ve gotten from aYou know how you pick up a book and you immediately have ideas of what the book is going to be about and how things are going to play out? I had thoughts of what I would get picking up Merry Mary. Turns out, Merry Mary wasn’t exactly the Christmas story I expected it to be. I expected a feel good story with references to God and miracles. I expected to be wrapped in the spirit of Christmas and feel God’s grace. Perhaps it’s a little unfair of me to expect that, but that’s what I’ve gotten from a similar book.

On a cold Virginia morning, Scottie Darden discovers a cold, hungry infant. Her only thoughts are to get the child to a safe, warm place and feed it. Scottie doesn’t think her actions out and somehow manages to get in over her head. Scottie’s life took me by surprise. On the outside, it seems she has a good, charmed life. By all accounts, she probably does until you dig deeper into her home life. I will say Scottie is blessed to have family and friends in her life who love and care about her. Her husband on the other hand, leaves a lot to be desired.

Merry Mary does deliver on miracles, just not the way I expected. “Miracles come in all shapes and sizes.” For me, it took a character to point the miracle Scottie and I both missed throughout the story.

**Received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest unbiased opinion.**...more

2.5 starsI received a free digital copy from the author/publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest feedback.

Scottie doesn't know what to do when she discovers the body of a dead homeless woman early one morning while on a photography project. All she does now is that she has to get the woman's crying infant to safety.Soon Scottie finds herself in predicament, does she hand over the baby to the police to be put in a care home, or does she secretly keep the baby for herself?

I'm not sure if2.5 starsI received a free digital copy from the author/publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest feedback.

Scottie doesn't know what to do when she discovers the body of a dead homeless woman early one morning while on a photography project. All she does now is that she has to get the woman's crying infant to safety.Soon Scottie finds herself in predicament, does she hand over the baby to the police to be put in a care home, or does she secretly keep the baby for herself?

I'm not sure if I liked this. I felt it jumped into Scottie finding the baby super quickly and all of her decisions were just really stupid to me and they annoyed me. Considering she found a dead body you'd think she would ring the police as soon as she was able.

I did like the family dynamic and how her family came together to support and help her through it. I didn't like how Scottie kept throwing her baby being born in prison into the mix every conversation when things started to get heated. I think she used the phrase about five times in a few pages. Her husband was a piece of work too. Overall, a slightly depressing but not a bad read....more

Won this book from GoodReads. Received today and couldn't put book down until I finished. It was such a touching story. I was so worried for what could happened to Scottie when the cops find out she had the baby. I loved how her family were there to help her make the right decision. This is a story that will touch your heart and make you teary eyed. It a story with a conflict of protecting a baby and doing what she felt was right for the baby to come to realization that the baby did have grandpaWon this book from GoodReads. Received today and couldn't put book down until I finished. It was such a touching story. I was so worried for what could happened to Scottie when the cops find out she had the baby. I loved how her family were there to help her make the right decision. This is a story that will touch your heart and make you teary eyed. It a story with a conflict of protecting a baby and doing what she felt was right for the baby to come to realization that the baby did have grandparents and they were kind people. When life puts you in a difficult situation you will find the the right solution. Great book that touched my heart dearly. ...more

In An Oyster Shell- Mental is terrifying and riveting. I recommend this book for anyone who is interested on seeing first hand experience the turmoil of mental illness and the joy of recovery.

The Pearls –

This book starts out set in a mental hospital, with a girl that is resigned to be there. A contemporary novel at it’s best dealing with one of the most prevalent issues we face today, mental illness. The concept was interesting and you could tell from the beginning this story came from the authoIn An Oyster Shell- Mental is terrifying and riveting. I recommend this book for anyone who is interested on seeing first hand experience the turmoil of mental illness and the joy of recovery.

The Pearls –

This book starts out set in a mental hospital, with a girl that is resigned to be there. A contemporary novel at it’s best dealing with one of the most prevalent issues we face today, mental illness. The concept was interesting and you could tell from the beginning this story came from the author’s heart. It was an interesting concept that was executed well.

Looking for a feel good, moving short story then please read Merry Mary. Scottie seemingly has an enviable life, privledged upbringing, nice home , all except a child to love. She is still recovering frim a stillborn birth when fate places an orphan into her hands. Follow Scottie through the short time she realizes her wants and needs are not as important as those of a helpless infant.

Another of Ashley's books that speaks to your heart. Scottie decides to do the right thing even though her heart wanted the other direction. Great read for the holiday season, or any time of year. Short read great for an afternoon cuddled up with a warm throw and a culpa. Enjoy!!!!

I read this one late night on vacation. It was beautifully written with a great leading character. she showed character and extraordinary strength in a terrible situation. The humanitarianism of Scottie and her compassion to help the homeless was beautifully portrayed in this book.

This is the type of book that makes you wonder what you would of done if you were in her shoes and the s with a tions she wen t thru. She made the c right decision for herself and for the baby. Y out should never believe the bad in people before meeting them and forming your own opinion.

This book isn't what I expected. The concept had me a bit confused but the outcome justified the means. Broken and desperate people sometimes do broken and desperate things. Logic sometimes prevails, as in this story.

As always this author keeps you entertained. I enjoyed this book because it opened my heart to memories buried deep. Good memories long forgotten, how it feels to hold a newborn child, the little sounds they make. Nice book, I enjoyed it.

I love Ashley Farley's books. She is down to earth with her stories. I love her characters. I really loved the brother / sister relationship Scottie and Will have. I can't wait to read book 2 in this series.

This is my third Ashley Farley book in less than two weeks and because I loved this one so much I've stated reading the second book in Scottie's adventure series. This is a sweet and heatwarming story that flows well.

Ashley Farley writes books about women for women. Her characters are mothers, daughters, sisters, and wives facing real-life issues. Her goal is to keep you turning the pages until the wee hours of the morning. If her story stays with you long after you've read the last word, then she's done her job.

After her brother died in 1999 of an accidental overdose, she turned to writing as a way of re

Ashley Farley writes books about women for women. Her characters are mothers, daughters, sisters, and wives facing real-life issues. Her goal is to keep you turning the pages until the wee hours of the morning. If her story stays with you long after you've read the last word, then she's done her job.

After her brother died in 1999 of an accidental overdose, she turned to writing as a way of releasing her pent-up emotions. She wrote SAVING BEN in honor of Neal, the boy she worshipped, the man she could not save.

Ashley is a wife and mother of two young adult children. While she’s lived in Richmond, Virginia for the past 21 years, part of her heart remains in the salty marshes of the South Carolina Lowcountry where she grew up. Through the eyes of her characters, she’s able to experience the moss-draped trees, delectable cuisine, and kind-hearted folks with lazy drawls that make the area so unique.